General Information

The Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts is widely recognized for its excellence throughout Indiana University, attracting attention regionally, nationally, and internationally. Students interacting with members of the arts faculty have the opportunity to study, grow, and develop within a wide range of traditional programs and professional studies leading to baccalaureate degrees. The four major areas of study are communications, music, theatre and the visual arts.

The educational process in the school balances specialization against an interdisciplinary viewpoint, which allows for concentrated study, but places it in a context. In addition to the increase of knowledge and skills within their chosen area of study, students also develop critical thinking, communication, and self-awareness skills. Students may anticipate close contact with faculty and class sizes aimed at maximizing educational opportunities. The school embraces difference and encourages students and faculty alike to explore the value of diversity. A close reading of the mission statement will prove beneficial to students applying to the School of the Arts.

Mission Statement

The School of the Arts manifests the fundamental role of the fine, performing, and communication arts in our diverse and global community. We commit ourselves to educate our students artistically and intellectually in order to facilitate personal and professional development. We value excellence in visual, spoken, written, kinetic, electronic, and musical expression. We seek to graduate creative individuals who think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly in society.

The following statements inform our mission:

• Students are the focus of our endeavors.
• We are a diverse body of faculty and staff who motivate, lead, and instruct students at the highest possible level and whose active professional lives model the standards we expect of our students.
• We serve students with diverse educational and professional goals.
• We pursue significant intellectual achievement and excellence through performance.
• We create partnerships with our community that provide artistic development, and reach audiences that we might not otherwise serve.